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Environment

I believe Congress should promote policies that protect and preserve our environment for future generations. Responsible stewardship of our environment requires a commitment to sound science and continuous research.

I introduced the Pine Forest Range Recreation Enhancement Act to designate approximately 26,000 acres in Humboldt County as permanent wilderness. When done the “right way” by including all interested stakeholders during negotiations, these land use designations can work. This legislation is now public law.

This bill ensures the lands are managed in a way sensitive to the needs of local community stakeholders, including traditional and historic uses, such as ranching, access for fishing, hunting, camping, and other forms of outdoor recreation, as well as fire management. It keeps open roads important to off-highway vehicle users and it conserves the pine forest for future generations.

Hunters will always have a place in the pine forest to hunt mule deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, chukar partridge, and other game. The Blue Lakes complex, as well as the Onion Valley and Knott Creek reservoirs, will continue to be a destination for the thousands of anglers who visit each summer and fall.

I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to support responsible, commonsense reforms that will help conserve our precious natural resources. It is important that we take practical steps today so that our environment is healthy for our children tomorrow.

Climate Change

I do not believe it is appropriate for the federal government to advocate one position over another in discussions of climate change. I do think that we should promote unbiased scientific research funded by both the government and the private sector to help answer climate change questions and bring effective solutions to any human causes.